Knicks lose lead in fourth

Toronto recovers from deficit of 12 points with late surge

Associated Press

Published 12:19 am, Saturday, December 28, 2013

Photo: Frank Franklin II

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Toronto Raptors' DeMar DeRozan (10) drives past New York Knicks' J.R. Smith (8) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, in New York. The Raptors won the game 95-83. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) ORG XMIT: MSG109 less

Toronto Raptors' DeMar DeRozan (10) drives past New York Knicks' J.R. Smith (8) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, in New York. The Raptors won the game 95-83. (AP ... more

Photo: Frank Franklin II

Knicks lose lead in fourth

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New York

Jonas Valanciunas had 16 points and a career-high 18 rebounds, DeMar DeRozan scored 25 points, and the Toronto Raptors rallied for a 95-83 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night.

The Raptors trailed by 12 points in the third quarter, but outscored the Knicks 29-12 in the fourth to take the opener of the home-and-home series.

Kyle Lowry had 15 points and 11 assists for the Atlantic Division leaders, who host the Knicks on Saturday with a chance to extend their lead to five games over last season's division champions.

Andrea Bargnani had 18 points and 12 rebounds against his former team. Beno Udrih finished with 15 points and 10 assists for the Knicks, who played again without Carmelo Anthony because of a sprained left ankle.

Anthony was hurt Monday and had hoped to play against Oklahoma City on Christmas, but instead might be out until the new year. Knicks coach Mike Woodson said Anthony likely wouldn't travel with the team to Toronto for the rematch.

Nets 104, Bucks 93: Shaun Livingston scored 20 points, Mirza Teletovic came off the bench to add 19 and Brooklyn rebounded from an embarrassing Christmas Day performance by ending its four-game losing streak. Paul Pierce added 13 points for the Nets, who lost by 17 points in their two previous games. Rookie Giannis Antetokounmpo had 16 points and 10 rebounds for Milwaukee, and Khris Middleton added 15 points and eight boards.

Pelicans 105, Nuggets 89: Tyreke Evans had 19 points and 10 assists, and New Orleans handed Denver its fifth straight loss. Jrue Holiday had 17 points and four steals, causing two turnovers that led to late fast-break points as the Pelicans slammed the door on Denver's comeback bid.

Thunder 89, Bobcats 85: Kevin Durant had 34 points and 12 rebounds, and Oklahoma City held on to defeat Charlotte without injured guard Russell Westbrook. The Thunder announced before the game that Westbrook had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and is out until after the All-Star break.

Notes: Al Horford, Atlanta's leading scorer and rebounder, is out indefinitely with a torn right pectoral muscle. ... The NBA fined Memphis forward Zach Randolph $25,000 for publicly criticizing officials after Memphis lost 100-92 in Houston.